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In what’s being called a “landmark ruling,” the US Supreme Court cleared the way for a controversial TikTok ban to take effect this weekend.
After their appeal was rejected, the decision effectively forced the app’s owners, ByteDance, to either sell the platform or face the possibility of a ban.
“Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” the court wrote.
Highlights
- US Supreme Court cleared the way for controversial TikTok ban to take effect this weekend.
- TikTok's fate now rests with President-elect Donald Trump.
- TikTok could go offline Sunday if the ban is upheld.
- Lawmakers push for TikTok sale to US firm; Beijing opposes.
However, the ultimate decision is now in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, who has yet to make a final decision on the app’s future.
“It ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do,” he said to CNN.
When asked if he would try to reverse the ban, he added, “Congress has given me the decision, so I’ll be making the decision.”
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What does the Supreme Court upholding the TikTok ban mean for the future of the controversial app?
Image credits: Nik / Unsplash
TikTok stated that the platform is preparing to “go dark” on Sunday if the ban is upheld. This means users won’t be able to find it in app stores, and updates will cease to be implemented.
Despite the app’s popularity, the Supreme Court noted that national security concerns outweigh the app’s role as an “expansive outlet for expression.”
Image credits: Oleg Ivanov / Unsplash
Since its launch in 2017, the platform has accumulated a massive 170 million users in the United States alone.
According to investigations carried out by the Biden administration, TikTok’s data collection practices have been allegedly misused for the purposes of espionage and manipulation.
The potential ban has raised numerous questions about the enforcement of such a law. The relatively novel concept of massive social media platforms and their use of information means there’s little precedent for how the government should proceed.
Lawmakers are pushing for a sale of the app to a US company, but Beijing opposes the move
Image credits: Solen Feyissa / Unsplash
Other possible consequences of the app going dark include an increased likelihood of hackers exploiting the platform and accessing sensitive data, as the lack of updates will grant them ample time to dismantle its security measures.
TikTok is expected to show US users a message that informs them of the law, offering them a chance to download their personal data.
Image credits: Library of Congress / Unsplash
Analysts and lawmakers have recommended the sale of the app, which would allow users who enjoy and even depend on the platform to make a living to continue using it. However, they’ve argued that the Chinese government is the main obstacle preventing a deal.
“It’s entirely up to Beijing,” Republican Senator Josh Hawley said. “There are willing buyers.”
If ByteDance, the app’s owners, agree to a potential sale, President Trump will have the chance to extend the deadline for negotiations by up to 90 days.
As the app’s fate hangs in the balance, lawmakers around the world are looking at what is sure to be a precedent-setting decision
Image credits: Nik / Unsplash
As the weekend approaches, the fate of the app hangs in the balance. With the President-elect set to take office next Monday (January 20), all eyes are on his next move.
Higher-ups at TikTok, such as CEO Shou Zi Chew, are expected to attend Trump’s inauguration that day. The move is part of a greater diplomatic strategy to build a friendly relationship with the incoming administration and to safeguard the app’s future.
Image credits: Daiga Ellaby / Unsplash
While the app’s potential ban might not immediately affect users around the world, it will set a precedent that could lead to other governments implementing similar measures.
In terms of day-to-day use, users overseas will see many of their favorite content creators disappear or move to other platforms. The sudden loss of 170 million users could transform the landscape of the app in unexpected ways.
For now, Americans may soon find themselves without access to one of the country’s most popular apps while the debate over data privacy, national security, and freedom of expression continues to unravel.
“What happens to the businesses that rely on it?” Netizens expressed concern over the far-reaching consequences of the potential ban
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What do you think ?
Forrest Hobbs 1 year ago (edited)
TikTok: global platform. USA: 4% of the world's population. Why would any of the 96% of humanity who lives outside in the US care? I mean, we can all access TikTok here in Europe, amiright?
Uncommon Sense 1 year ago
Frankly if it removes a platform the breathtaking number of freaks, weirdos, conspiracy theorists, woke activists, dangerous challenge trend setters and other lunatics, I couldn't be more in favour of it. It gave a voice to the most marginalised of society, most of whom need therapy, not TikTok.
Forrest Hobbs 1 year ago (edited)
You say TikTok, but it sounds like you're talking about the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, at least since it was bought by the far right conspiracy theorist Elon Musk.
Load More Replies...
UKDeek 12 months ago
I think the dynamics around this are really interesting. Legislation is passed to ban TikTok, which is appealed. This goes all the way to the Supreme Court, who uphold the ban. Now, the incoming President has hinted that he will look to overturn the ban (I know this is an over simplification). Worrying that the President can overturn the checks and balances, or even thinks that they can overturn them.
olaff 422 1 year ago
I feel most of the people saying they're for the ban are old people yelling at clouds. This is an idiot cult practicing way too much government involvement in our lives. All from the party that was always about small government, and against "the deep state." Turns out there is a deep state, and it's out in the open with President Musk and First Gentleman Trump.
Forrest Hobbs 1 year ago
Objection! The rapist Trump is certainly no gentleman.
Load More Replies...
Forrest Hobbs 1 year ago (edited)
TikTok: global platform. USA: 4% of the world's population. Why would any of the 96% of humanity who lives outside in the US care? I mean, we can all access TikTok here in Europe, amiright?
Uncommon Sense 1 year ago
Frankly if it removes a platform the breathtaking number of freaks, weirdos, conspiracy theorists, woke activists, dangerous challenge trend setters and other lunatics, I couldn't be more in favour of it. It gave a voice to the most marginalised of society, most of whom need therapy, not TikTok.
Forrest Hobbs 1 year ago (edited)
You say TikTok, but it sounds like you're talking about the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, at least since it was bought by the far right conspiracy theorist Elon Musk.
Load More Replies... UKDeek 12 months ago
I think the dynamics around this are really interesting. Legislation is passed to ban TikTok, which is appealed. This goes all the way to the Supreme Court, who uphold the ban. Now, the incoming President has hinted that he will look to overturn the ban (I know this is an over simplification). Worrying that the President can overturn the checks and balances, or even thinks that they can overturn them.
olaff 422 1 year ago
I feel most of the people saying they're for the ban are old people yelling at clouds. This is an idiot cult practicing way too much government involvement in our lives. All from the party that was always about small government, and against "the deep state." Turns out there is a deep state, and it's out in the open with President Musk and First Gentleman Trump.
Forrest Hobbs 1 year ago
Objection! The rapist Trump is certainly no gentleman.
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